CNI:BLOG // latest news from across the network

Your people will rebuild the cities that were destroyed long ago.And you will build again on the old foundations.You will be called the one who repairs broken walls.You will be called the one who makes city streets like new again.

Isaiah 58:12 - The Bible

Thanks to all those who volunteer, support, lead and pray within our one hundred and twenty five local projects. 2013 was a tremendous year of serving and making the difference in the lives of individuals and communities. As an international network we have grown in influence and are now approached almost weekly to share about the work we do with media, MP's, organisations, etc. You can read a few of the things achieved in 2013 on our Christmas Card - here's to more in 2014 and that as local projects and an international network we will be called the ones who make city streets like new again...

Moving forward we would like to highlight several events to you:

Songs of Praise - BBC 1's popular religious programme Songs of Praise is to feature the work of Street Angels on Sunday 19th January. The programme features a sequence where Diane Louise Jordan joins the Bedford Street Angels on a busy Saturday night and finds out first hand how the Street Angels play a vital role in keeping people safe – and in a moving interview with Frederick and Fran Gill she learns how the tragic murder of their son Robert acted as a catalyst to the formation of Bedford Street Angels. Watch listings nearer the date for the time of the broadcast.

#Do1NiceThing Lent Challenge - Love Your Streets is one of the five strands of our work and during Lent we encourage people to #Do1NiceThing every day until Easter. More information is here.

Northern Conference - a one day conference in York with keynote speaker Jarrod Cooper, singer Phillipa Hanna and several afternoon workshops that will resource and equip those who volunteer. Saturday 12th April - see here for details and to book.

Afternoon Tea at Lambeth Palace - Monday 20th October - more details to be announced soon...

2015:10 - In 2015 we are celebrating significant anniversaries across three nations! In Northern Ireland, Belfast Nightlight was launched in 1995 (following a trial in 1989 - 1991) and so is celebrating 20 years; Scotland Dundee's Street Chaplains launched in 2000 and celebrates 15 years; and in England Halifax Street Angels launched in 2005 and so is celebrating 10 years. We are planning a year of 2015:10celebrations in 2015. It is hoped to hold a National Conference and several celebration events to celebrate all that is achieved through our amazing connected projects. More details over 2014 - to be involved contact Paul.

BIG response BIG issues - following discussions on the CNI Network Facebook Group we are looking at promoting ways local communities can offer a coordinated BIG response to BIG issues that effect local areas. We recognise that individually projects are limited as to the extent of what they can do but working together we can begin to tackle the reason behind the issues and problems not just offer a 'sticking plaster'. More will be developed over the coming weeks.

Tuesday 25th February - CNI Network Trustees and Vision day - local projects welcome to input in the afternoon - day is in Halifax. Contact Paul for more details.

Resources:

Talks - Paul is available to talk to groups (ladies groups, Rotary, luncheon clubs, etc) on the work of Street Angels - CNI Network. He is willing to travel within an hour or so of Halifax and asks for a donation and travel expenses (towards the work of CNI). Trustees are available in other areas of the country. Paul recently received feedback: 'Your talk to the group in July proved to be one of the most enjoyable in recent years. The members are still talking about the work you and the Street Angels undertake' - email for details.

Who are the Street Angels? comics - thanks to UCB we are able to offer 50 of these free (£5 donation requested for postage) to each project.

WeHelpedYou.org.uk - a web site with various ways of donating to local projects or CNI Network including Give As You Live, on-line, sponsored events, text and donating a scrap car!

Flip-flops - we have several thousand pairs of flip-flops available to local CNI projects. They are available in packages of 50 size 4 and 50 size 6 for £75 + carriage (£10 of pick up from West Yorkshire).

YourNight - this mobile app is essential to help those who go out in your centre to have a safe and fun night. What a great gift to our communities - see here for more information.

Over the winter months Street Angels faced with minus temperatures, cold winds, snow, ice and frost have to keep their heads warm! The blog entry and Facebook album is to feature funny hats and we invite you to like the picture - the ones with the most likes win a prize (by end of March 2014 when the weather warms up!!!)